Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Ford Focus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This vehicle was brought into jiffy lube and we inspected the vehicle. We noticed rust on the passenger rear of the car and we looked at the brakes on the passenger rear and there is little to almost no rotor left maybe a fingernail thin and it is not attached to the wheel anymore it has been cut from it and now is hanging on by what's left of the brake pad. We gave him almost more than half off of what we can do to get it fixed and give the oil change what he came in for for free but declined and just wanted the oil change. I was scared for him to leave the shop because it is unsafe and endangering me and other people that are on the road around this area. But the customer did not seem to care how dangerous it could actually be on the road and didn't seem like he was in any rush to get it fixed as well.
I purchased my 2013 Ford Focus se brand new in June of 2013. I noticed the shuddering during acceleration immediately and mentioned it to someone at the dealership. I was told this was normal for it being brand new and that it would stop after awhile. We are now over 3 years later and it has not stopped. Someone finally convinced me to take it in. I've had several people that have been in my vehicle and can't believe that it does this and tell me that it is absolutely not normal. I took my car into the dealership a couple months ago and they said they reprogrammed something. This did not help. Took it back in again today and before even looking at it they are telling me that was I'm describing is normal and gave me a flyer explaining the transmission differences. I couldn't believe they thought I would buy into that. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. While driving 20 MPH in an ice storm, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond without warning. As a result the contact crashed into the median and another vehicle. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the cause of the failure was unable to be determined however. The body damage was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000. Updated 04/17/17 lj
I purchased this car in August of 2017 in bastrop, texas at benny boyd used car sales. It broke 20 days later , where it went to bastrop Ford , unknown as to what recall they repaired but it returned to the shop about less than 2 months later with another recall issue , I have had the same issues several times , I now have the same issues again and have since November of 2018 I would like to return to my home state and or be able to get a new car but because this car has consumed and nearly diminished almost every part of my livelyhood and self worth , finances, debt , etc . I am unable to even operate as a normal human. I need this issue addressed because the car dealerships refuse to address the federal recalls and or buyback till 2023. . This car loses gear, has clutch and trans issues described the same as everyone else's in all forums and complaint site across the web. …
My Ford Focus shudders when accelerating and lurch forward without warning when I'm slowing down or accelerating. I have had it repaired once and need to go back again. How many times do I have to go without a car because the dealership once again has my car in for repairs due to a manufacturer transmission defect. Also, what premature internal wear is this all causing? Will I need to replace parts before they would normally need replacing or fixing?! I'm worried the car will breakdown or there will be a crash where someone gets seriously hurt. It has been brought to my attention that Ford knew about the defect and concealed the information and there are numerous law suits out there for this particular issue. I really don't feel safe driving the car anymore. I can't remember the specific date of the first incident but I can find out from the dealership if necessary.
As I was driving east on the long island expressway prior to exit 41s the cars notification lights kicked on several messages came up which included rear park assist, hill start assist as well as battery indicator, oil light, check engine light, etc. I attempted to push on the gas however nothing occurred I was coasting at 40 MPH I signaled to get over into the right lane, I applied the brake however it also locked up and would not brake, I was almost rear ended/side swiped by several vehicles as I was unable to keep up with traffic and brake accordingly. I got to the right shoulder and hit the e-brake to stop. I turned off the vehicle and attempted to restart however the engine would not kick on and the gas pedal would not work.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. While driving low speeds, the steering wheel seized and the brake system warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and operated correctly. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric steering motor burned out and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,300.
Passenger side tail light is out (brake light bulb fault warning light is on). After several bulb changes, the brake light either does not come on or it burns out very quickly. An on-line search revealed that this is a common problem and Ford has done nothing about this safety concern. I do not know when this problem first started because it May have been a long time before someone else noticed it and alerted me. The problem is present as soon as the key is turned on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. While driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that there was a rear brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,500. The VIN was not available. Ma 08/11/15 updated 10/26/2017
2013 Ford Focus recall....updated 02/12/15 the consumer was informed on October 13, 2014, the recall could not be performed, because the vehicle had not reached 10,000 miles. In December 2014, the consumers wife was parking the vehicle, when suddenly the brakes which caused her to jump the curb and hit a truck.
Brake complaints in other Focus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2013 Ford Focus?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Ford Focus, 1% of the model year's 2,112 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Focus brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2013 Ford Focus, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Focus brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.